Chinese 'spy ship' off Australian coast had the right to be there, PM says

Chinese 'spy ship' off Australian coast had the right to be there, PM says
Richard Wood •Nov 26, 2021 https://www.9news.com.au/national/china-spy-ship-spent-weeks-off-austral...

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said a Chinese 'spy ship' spotted off the Australian coast had every right to be in international waters - but he expected Beijing to afford Australian navy ships the same right in the disputed South China Sea.

"They have every right to be there, under International maritime law, just like we have every right to be in the South China Sea," Mr Morrison said today during a visit to South Australia.

Mr Morrison added that there was a "very serious situation" in the Pacific region involving China.

"I think the presence of the Chinese Navy, which we were aware of, and they were keeping a close eye on us and we were keeping a close eye on them. The importance of that is to highlight Australians that there is a very serious situation in the Indo-Pacific.

"I have been saying that for a long time. These things are true. Australia had to be able to stand up, and that requires great strength."
Defence Minister Peter Dutton earlier confirmed that a the vessel spent three weeks off the Australian coast this year.